Power bills are getting more expensive and some claim it’s due to a too generous renewable energy support scheme. On the other hand, others claim it’s because of the obsolete power plants using conventional fuels, which push up costs. While the country still produces natural gas and oil from its own reserves, it’s clear they won’t last forever. Then again, nuclear is not anymore seen as friendly after disasters elsewhere in the world, as is also the case of coal-fired plants whose carbon emissions hurt the environment.

There are scores of questions out there and there could also be hoards of investors ready to pour in with money if the setup is right. The country needs, more than ever before, a sound energy strategy that can secure its future and that’s precisely what the June 2013 edition of the Romanian Business Digest wants to tap into with the qualified help of those who really can have a say.

Bogdan Preda is an independent consultant and journalist with extensive work experience in Romania and Eastern Europe since the fall of communism in the region, in 1989. In addition to his journalistic formation, Bogdan also works as an international-level communication and public relations specialist, having supervised relevant communication and image management projects for international clients, both corporate and individual.

What would be the perfect mix of conventional fuels in Romania 10, 20 and 50 years from now and why?

How can oil and gas today help build the future when they shall no longer exist?

How quickly can the “real” natural gas interconnections happen and why are they so important?

Status and future of major natural gas pipeline projects

What is really the future of coal-fired plants in Romania?

How much longer can Romania rely on its aged power plants that use conventional fuels?

Recent legislative decisions and statements seem to put (again) a greater emphasis on conventional and nuclear energy production (i.e. coal- or gas-fired power plants); won’t the costs of revamping such production capacities or using old ones increase power prices?

Nuclear or state-of-the-art power plants using conventional fuels? Will nuclear continue to be an option?

The interconnection of the region’s power trading platforms: where is it going and what’s really needed?

Infrastructure challenges. Limited or no production of power-producing equipment in Romania; old, inefficient heating and natural gas infrastructure. Can we overcome this? Should Romania look at large or medium-size power plants?

What will be the medium-term effects of legislative changes on renewable energy?

Romania’s best bets by comparison with its regional peers

How much of total energy should be coming from RW in 10, 20 and 50 years from now in Romania?

Is there a real threat for a bubble from renewable energy?

Extending renewable energy solutions and intake to roofs and balconies. When, if and why also in Romania?

How much money does Romania really need to revamp or replace its obsolete power producers and why would investors or banks be interested?

How can Romania secure the huge amounts needed to revamp its energy industry production units?

How quickly would a full price and export liberalization impact on investors’ decision to build new power plants in Romania? Can the population bear it? What are the real solutions?

Current and future legislative environment and the need for more predictability (a given number of minimum/maximum green certificates – can GCs continue to be a solution?). How often can such legislation be changed so that it doesn’t affect investors/projects/financing.

Are banks still interested in financing renewable energy projects? On what grounds?

Niche financing methods for power projects; are there any?

What’s the situation with Transelectrica’s readiness to connect more renewable energy producers? What are the costs (financing needs) involved?